'Mummy Cat' Won't Scare the Sphinx Out of Kids

Kids as young as kindergarteners can easily find an interest in all things Egypt, thanks to the allure of mummies, hieroglyphics, and golden tombs. The reality of mummification and Egyptian rituals can be hard to understand—and a little bit scary—for that age, however. Mummy Cat, written by Marcus Ewert and illustrated by Lisa Brown, is an excellent introduction to ancient Egyptology that appeals to a wide range of kids with a simple story with another tale hidden within.

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the rhyming tale of a mummy cat who longs to be held by his best friend once again. The loyal companion wakes every hundred years to walk through the tomb of his owner, whose fate is revealed in the murals that adorn the walls.

Younger kids will likely miss the story hidden in the murals, a tale of jealousy and spite told in hieroglyphics, but older readers will love to uncover it thanks to the guide in the back of the book. The last pages also include a primer to ancient Egyptian history and culture in terms elementary age kids can understand.

If your child is interested in ancient Egypt, but you’re wary of cracking open an Egyptology book to see a real mummified face staring at you from the pages, Mummy Cat might be just the introduction to history you’re looking for. It’s touching, a little sad, and a book that can be revisited time and time again to uncover new details in the illustrations.

GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.